Bank of America awards $48,000 grant to Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York

Funds will help support Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute

Press Release

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York Inc. (HHCWNY) announced it has been awarded a $48,000 grant from Bank of America. This significant grant will fund the salaries of two paid staff members who will play a critical role in expanding and developing programming at the Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute, a dedicated space where the region’s rich Hispanic culture can thrive.

This vital support comes at a time when the Hispanic Heritage Council is poised to grow its capacity, enabling it to further its mission of fostering awareness, understanding and appreciation of the contributions of the Hispanic community to Western New York. With additional staffing, the organization can strengthen its existing programs and create new opportunities for engagement and education, reaching a broader audience across the region.

"The addition of paid staff through this grant will be impactful for the Hispanic Heritage Council and the Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute," said Casimiro D. Rodriguez, president of HHCWNY. "This support allows us to expand our programming in meaningful ways, ensuring that the voices and stories of the Hispanic community are not only preserved but celebrated and shared more widely. We are deeply grateful to Bank of America for their commitment to our community and to helping us continue our work."

The new staff members will be instrumental in the development of the Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute.

“Bank of America is committed to supporting and investing in the Hispanic-Latino community in Buffalo through our partnerships with local organizations like the Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York,” said Ted Janicki, president, Bank of America Buffalo Niagara. “We look forward to seeing the continued impact of the Hispanic Heritage Council, and the new Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute, on our community here in Buffalo.”

HHCWNY has been a cornerstone of cultural preservation and community development, advocating for the creation of the Hispanic Heritage District and launching numerous impactful programs such as the weekly “Sin Fronteras” WNY radio programming. This grant will empower the organization to continue building on its successes and ensure the sustainability of its work for years to come.